Asilah (Arabic: أصيلة،‎‎ Aṣīla; Berber: ⴰⵥⵉⵍⴰ Aẓila; "authentic", Portuguese: Arzila, Spanish: Arcila) is a fortified town on the northwest tip of the Atlantic coast of Morocco, about 31 km (19 mi) south of Tangier. Its ramparts and gateworks remain fully intact.

The town's history dates back to 1500 B.C., when the Phoenicians used it as a base for trade. The Portuguese conquered the city in 1471, but later it was decided to abandon it because of an economic debt crisis in 1549. Later in 1578, Sebastian of Portugal used Asilah as a base town for his troops during a planned crusade that resulted in Sebastian's death, which in turn caused the Portuguese succession crisis of 1580. The Moroccans in 1589 regained control of Asilah briefly, but then lost control of it to the Spanish.
In 1692, the town was again taken by the Moroccans under the leadership of Moulay Ismail. Asilah served then as a base for pirates in the 19th and 20th centuries, and in 1829, the Austrians punitively bombarded the city due to Moroccan piracy.

From 1912 to 1956, it was part of Spanish Morocco. A major plan to restore the town was undertaken in 1978 by its mayor, Mohamed Benaissa. The first edition of an art festival known as the International Cultural Moussem of Asilah was launched that year to help generate tourism. It was successful in generating revenue for the city and played a role in raising the average monthly income from $50 in 1978 to $140 in 2014. The festival features local artwork and music and continues to attract large amounts of tourists.

Asilah is now a popular seaside resort, with modern holiday apartment complexes on the coast road leading to the town from Tangier.

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Top Asilah Hotels with smoking rooms

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Asilah Beach

elmostafa

AED 219 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Asilah Beach

"A little gem of a place, we were greeted by the owner who was very welcoming. He gave us a great room with a wonderful view and told us all we needed to know to get around Asilah. Breakfast was good and on our last day we left very early to get a ferry and he still managed to get us fed. The view from the top is great and can I just say once again how welcoming we were made to feel, couldn’t recommend it enough!"

Jonathan

AED 334 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Nov - 19 Nov

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

Medina

hoda

AED 478 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Nov - 22 Nov

Hotel Zelis

Asilah

David

AED 214 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Nov - 19 Nov

Marina Golf Assilah

Asilah

AED 470 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Nov - 19 Nov

Bel Appartement Neuf

Medina

AED 567 total

includes taxes & fees

20 Nov - 21 Nov

Assilah's Charm & Comfort at "Riad Mama Aicha" few steps away from beach.

Assilah

AED 830 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Nov - 19 Nov

Luxury apartment + pools + wifi

Asilah

AED 585 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Nov - 19 Nov

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Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

10/10 Excellent

"We loved our mom with the terrace. The onsite restaurant served a wonderful 3 course Moroccan meal. And the Spa is not to be missed. My wife and I had the Couples Hammam and Spa and we talked about it for the rest of the trip. Outstanding value for guests, and an unforgettable experience."

Pasta Plaza Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Nice place. Clean and simple. Friendly owner. Clean and comfortable beds. I would recommend this place "

Find Hotels with smoking rooms in Asilah

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on Asilah Hotels with smoking rooms

Top Asilah Hotels with smoking rooms

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

Hotel Zelis

Marina Golf Assilah

Bel Appartement Neuf

Assilah's Charm & Comfort at "Riad Mama Aicha" few steps away from beach.

Luxury apartment + pools + wifi

Dar Yemma est un Véritable Havre de Paix et de Tranquillité,

Cozy apartment with pools for daily rental

Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Pasta Plaza Hotel

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